We’ve tried and tested these Cleansers and lip-protecting products to get you through the winter season
This is a very luxurious cleanser best suited to normal and dry skin-types.
The formula contains soothing antioxidant extracts. Some women get a real mood boost from scented cleanser.
If you’re one of them and don’t have very sensitive skin, I recommend choosing this lightly rose-perfumed oil.
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Clinique’s Take The Day Off cleansers are all great buys, whether you choose the milk, balm or oil version.
I’m particularly impressed with how quickly this cleansing oil dissolves makeup, even when you’re hurrying to strip off a glamorous evening look. It removes liner and mascara without taking any lashes along for the ride.
Just as importantly, it feels as gentle as micellar water and is packed with soothing ingredients that leave no residue.
*****
MAC sells this fast-acting cleanser highlighting that, despite containing both antioxidant and scented oils, it is mineral oil-free.
Mineral oil is in no way dangerous or harmful to skin. The lavender and orange in this formula may irritate sensitive types, especially around the eyes.
Mineral oil can be too emollient for oily types, but so can the olive and evening primrose oils in this product.
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This cleanser has a milky, wash-off formula that works well with all skin types.
It is a particularly good choice for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin that sometimes reacts poorly to water, as it rinses quickly and gently without leaving residue.
*****
LIP PROTECTANTS
I’m not a fan of so-called lip plumpers, which typically employ irritating ingredients like menthol to swell the lips into a sore, split-prone state.
Image’s plumper is different. The luxurious antioxidant oils and silicones residing in this tiny tube do indeed enhance the size of your lips temporarily.
With sun protection and regular use, they will help keep them pillowy full-time. Shame about the price, though it is one of the few expensive lip balms I’ve tried that genuinely makes a difference.
*****
Clinique does UV protection products for the face and body very well, so I’d love to see one of their equally good lip balms with some sun protection.
This is a thick, plumping lip moisturiser that will create an ample barrier for dry lips as the weather cools.
The formula contains a nice clutch of antioxidant extracts and wears like a high-shine clear gloss.
*****
This is one for those who need to apply lip colour straight after sun protection.
The texture is so fine and smoothing that it improves the appearance of makeup applied on top.
It is important to remember that lips need sun protection just as much as the rest of the face (and every time you step outside) in order to prevent collagen loss and dryness.
I’d like it if the UVB protection were stronger than factor 15, though several brands have told me that this is hard to achieve without creating an unflattering colour.
*****
This is a pretty combination of sheer colour and broad- spectrum sun protection. Conditioning ingredients and antioxidants keep lips plumped and smooth.
*****
LIPSTICK PENCILS
Lipstick pencils generally seek to combine the matte, long-wearing texture of a liner with the dense colour and skincare ingredients of a lipstick.
They cut application time and the number of products in your handbag. You may have come across Bobbi Brown’s Art Sticks on Pinterest, as the most popular shades (Cherrywood, Dusty Pink) are universally flattering and have something of a cult following.
All 11 shades provide durable, creamy colour and are lots of fun to play with, especially if you like to slightly overdraw your lip line. Each stick comes with a sharpener but even freshly pared the chunky nib can lack precision.
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NARS has developed this product category well and currently offers pencil lip colours in velvet matte, satin, and velvet gloss finishes.
They are expensive but apart from being time-savers with conditioning ingredients, the colour choice is vast. You are certain to find one you love and the formula is especially long-wearing.
This is one I’d recommend if you feel your lip line needs strong definition, as the nib is precise and the rich silicone base prevents bleeding. Like each pencil here, a sharpener is included.
*****
Lipstick Queen founder Poppy King has been on top of every major lipstick trend for the last six years. Her products, while pricey, are usually perfected examples.
Cupid’s Bow is named for the precision of the chubby god’s aim. This hydrating, highly-pigmented pencil gives great definition and won’t highlight lines.
The colour has a long-wearing stain but is still quite transferable, so watch your kisses! The eight shades are classic and have a satin finish. Plan to touch this up as often as you would a gloss.
NYX has done well to create a moisturising lipstick with a nicely refined nib for the cost of a magazine. Most shades are classic and all have a shimmery finish.
The formula is beeswax and carnauba wax-based, so there is a lot of slip to it. Take care that colour doesn’t wind up on your teeth! If you have lines around the mouth you will likely need an additional liner.
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